At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a specialist school in Camden dedicated to mental health and neurodivergence.
- Benefits: Earn £108 per day, enjoy term-time only hours, and receive full training.
- Other info: Perfect for aspiring psychologists looking for career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in psychology while making a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for mental health and experience in care or youth work preferred.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: Camden, London
Start Date: 7th September 2026
Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday – Term Time Only
Pay: £108 per day
Sector: Education and Training – SEMH & Mental Health Support
Are you passionate about mental health, neurodivergence, and child psychology? Looking for hands-on experience supporting young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs before pursuing a career in clinical or educational psychology, counselling, CAMHS, occupational therapy, or therapeutic support? We are recruiting compassionate and resilient Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistants for a specialist school in Camden. This school supports children and young people with a range of SEMH needs, including anxiety, trauma, attachment difficulties, ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent profiles. Many pupils have experienced adverse childhood experiences and require consistent, trauma-informed support to feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.
This role is ideal for graduates and aspiring professionals who want to build a long-term career supporting children with mental health and neurodevelopmental needs.
Why This Role Is Ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist
- You will gain invaluable frontline experience directly relevant to:
- Clinical Psychology – trauma-informed care, attachment theory, mental health assessment, therapeutic engagement
- Educational Psychology – understanding how SEMH impacts learning, behaviour, and school engagement
- Counselling & Psychotherapy – building therapeutic relationships, active listening, and emotional support
- CAMHS & Mental Health Services – early intervention, emotional regulation, and wellbeing support
- Occupational Therapy – sensory regulation, co-regulation, and daily living skills
- Behaviour Analysis – understanding behaviour as communication, functional approaches, and positive behaviour support
- Neurodivergence & SEN – supporting pupils with ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental profiles
Through daily practice, you will develop expertise in:
- Trauma-informed and relationship-based support
- Emotional regulation and co-regulation techniques
- De-escalation and crisis management strategies
- Behaviour as communication – interpreting unmet needs
- Sensory support and environmental adaptations
- Building trust and safety with vulnerable young people
- Positive behaviour support and restorative approaches
Most importantly, you will see first-hand how consistent, empathetic, and psychologically-informed support can transform a young person’s sense of safety, self-worth, and ability to engage in education.
Your Core Purpose
Your role is to help pupils feel safe, regulated, understood, and supported throughout the school day. You will:
- Build trusting, consistent, and positive relationships with vulnerable young people
- Support emotional regulation, mental wellbeing, and self-awareness
- Create a calm, predictable, and nurturing learning environment
- Raise attainment by building confidence, resilience, and engagement in learning
- Help pupils understand that their mental health challenges and neurodivergence do not define their potential
What You Will Be Doing
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH and neurodivergent needs
- Supporting pupils who may present with anxiety, emotional distress, or challenging behaviour
- Using trauma-informed, de-escalation, and co-regulation techniques to support pupils in crisis
- Helping pupils access lessons and classroom activities by removing emotional and sensory barriers
- Encouraging routine, structure, and predictability to reduce anxiety
- Using calm, consistent behaviour support and restorative approaches
- Supporting smooth transitions throughout the school day
- Collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, CAMHS professionals, and pastoral teams
- Acting as a positive role model for patience, empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation
We Would Love to Hear From You If You Have:
- A strong interest in psychology, mental health, neurodivergence, or child development
- Experience (paid or voluntary) in care, youth work, mentoring, SEN support, coaching, counselling, or community services
- A calm, patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient personality
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with vulnerable young people
- A genuine passion for supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing
You do not need previous school experience – your attitude, empathy, and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training in trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, de-escalation, and SEMH support will be provided, along with regular supervision and team support.
Practical Details
The school is well connected by public transport in Camden, with parking available nearby. The role is term-time only, offering a stable schedule. Pay is £108 per day, with weekly PAYE payments.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines. Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
Ready to start your career in psychology and mental health support? Whether you are a recent graduate or career changer, we want to hear from you.
Aspiring Psychologist – Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistant – Camden employer: Milk Education
Milk Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool. With significant progression pathways, generous incentives, and a supportive environment, we empower our team to thrive in their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance with 23 days off annually plus bank holidays.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aspiring Psychologist – Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistant – Camden
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
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Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Aspiring Psychologist – Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistant – Camden at Milk Education, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Aspiring Psychologist – Mental Health & SEMH Support Assistant – Camden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Milk Education connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Milk Education, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Milk Education will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Milk Education that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.